The National Sports & Physical Activity Convention (NSC) is proud to once again partner with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) to deliver the Participation conference stream at NSC 2026.
Aligned with the ASC’s Play Well strategy, the Participation stream will bring together leaders from sport, government, recreation, education and community organisations around one shared ambition: helping more Australians play sport, exercise and recreate more often.
With a strong focus on “The Next Generation”, the 2026 program will explore how the sport, recreation and physical activity sectors can evolve to meet changing community expectations, shifting participation behaviours and the emerging needs of young people.
At the heart of the stream is the keynote session, The Next Generation of Participation, featuring Cam French from the Australian Sports Commission alongside Andy King, Chair of GM Active (UK). Together, they will explore how Australia and the United Kingdom are pursuing similar participation goals through different strategic approaches — and what each country can learn from the other.
The discussion will examine critical questions facing the sector:
- How do we create lifelong connections to physical activity?
- What participation models are resonating with younger generations?
- What international ideas can be adapted locally?
- And how do we deliver meaningful, measurable participation outcomes for the future?
The keynote will be followed by a thought-provoking panel showcasing innovative and practical examples from across the sector, including:
- Neil Gibson, Blacktown City Council — creating participation experiences centred around fun, flexibility and community connection
- Alexander Weber, PCYC Queensland — engaging communities through non-traditional and non-sport participation opportunities
- Shari Duffy, Skate Australia — applying contemporary thinking and new participation models within traditional sporting environments
The Participation stream will also feature four highly practical workshops designed to give delegates actionable insights and strategies across key industry priorities, including:
- Innovative approaches to sport and recreation that attract new participants
- Understanding the needs, aspirations and motivations of young people
- Emerging policy priorities shaping the future of participation
- Measuring impact, wellbeing and participation outcomes more effectively
Delegates will also gain valuable international perspectives from leading national and global experts, including:
- John Oxley, CEO, Life Leisure UK
- Will Watt, Founder, State of Life UK
- Jim Ellis, Sport New Zealand
- Lee Huei Chern, Sport Singapore
- Ella Creagh, Sport New Zealand
- Richard Davis-Boreham, Greater Manchester Moving UK
Together, these speakers represent some of the most progressive thinking globally in participation, wellbeing, active communities and systems change.
This is a must-attend stream for organisations committed to increasing participation, improving community wellbeing and helping shape a more active and connected future.
Martin Sheppard, Co-Founder and CEO of NSC, said:
“The Participation focus of the Australian Sports Commission, together with the momentum building across the broader Australian industry, has the potential to make a genuine generational difference.
“For this movement to succeed, organisations across community sport, recreation and exercise need to work together behind a shared vision. NSC is proud to partner with the ASC and the wider industry to help drive this important strategy forward.”
Embedded within the broader NSC 2026 program, the Participation stream provides a unique opportunity to learn from local and global leaders, explore practical solutions and be part of the movement shaping the next generation of participation.
Editor’s Notes
The National Sports & Physical Activity Convention (NSC) has grown since 2016 as Australia/New Zealand’s largest and most prominent community sport and recreation convention and expo. This year the NSC returns to Melbourne’s Convention and Exhibition Centre on 1 – 2 July 2026. The organisers working, with its 50+ collaborators, to curate a program with international and Australian experts, providing the most comprehensive program on community sport recreation and sports facilities in Australia. The event also features the largest sports and recreation Expo with 80+ Exhibitors and 7 Activation Areas for the ultimate industry playground for industry professionals.
Photos from the NSC can be found at www.nationalsportsconvention.com.au
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Further information contact Anthony Reed, at anthonyr@smartconnection.net.au or (03) 9421 0133.